Assessing the New Orleans Hornets' 2010-11 roster

A look at the New Orleans Hornets roster, each player’s contract status, how they did this year and if they’ll be back next year.

Chris Paul, under contract next season ($16.359 million), player option in 2012-13.

Paul averaged 15.9 points per game this year, the lowest offensive production of his career, a result of the Hornets’ methodical pace. But he had 9.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and again led the league in steals at 2.4. He is without question the backbone of the franchise and arguably the finest at his position in the NBA. There no doubt will be speculation the team might try to trade Paul as a pre-emptive strike against him opting out the following year, but that won’t happen.

Emeka Okafor, under contract next season ($12,541 million) and through 2013-14.

Even though he missed regular-season games (10) for the first time in three seasons, Okafor remained a durable player, averaging 10.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks this year. He’s a bit undersized for a Western Conference post player and at times doesn’t finish strongly at the basket. But he’s a solid contributor for the most part and returns.

David West, player option next season ($7.525 million).

The Hornets’ leading scorer at 18.9 points per game this year, West tore his left ACL on March 24 in Utah and is currently re-habbing the surgical reconstruction. The senior member of the team (he arrived in 2003) could opt out of the last year of his contract and test free-agency, but that’s unlikely in the injury’s aftermath. He’ll return next season, but at what juncture remains uncertain because of the rehabilitation process.

Trevor Ariza, under contract next season ($6.790 million), through 2012-13, player option 2013-14.

The team’s lock-down defender who drew the assignment of the opposition’s best player on a nightly basis, Ariza’s offense at times suffered because of that chore, though he finished with an 11.0 average, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game this year. Picked up offensive production in the playoffs and will return.

Jarrett Jack, under contract next season ($5.220 million) and through 2013-14.

Obtained in a trade in late November, it took Jack a while to become accustomed to the Hornets’ schemes. But he’s a valuable contributor off the bench (8.9 points, 2.9 assists) as the backup point guard, who can also play the two-spot. He returns.

Willie Green, contract expires June 30, free agent.

Acquired in a trade with Philadelphia just days before the start of training camp, Green was arguably the Hornets most consistent reserve this season, averaging 8.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Can play both backcourt spots and his veteran savvy and leadership were invaluable to a team thought to be rebuilding. Hornets will likely attempt to re-sign Green for next year and he said he’d be agreeable under the right terms.

Carl Landry, contract expires June 30, free agent.

A trade-deadline acquisition from Sacramento for the popular Marcus Thornton, Landry provided much-needed depth at power forward, then stepped into the starting role seamlessly when West was lost with injury. Landry earned $3 million in the last year of his contract, and averaged 11.8 points in his 23 games in New Orleans, 10 starts. He earned what will be a lucrative contract for next year and beyond on the free-agent market, and he’ll be pursued with fervor by the Hornets and he said he’d like to return.

David Andersen, team option next season ($2.7 million).

Acquired in late November along with Jarrett Jack, Andersen never could find a niche with the Hornets and was inactive 12 times and had 29 DNP-coach’s decisions. He’ll have to earn a roster spot in training camp.

Marco Belinelli, under contract next season at team option ($3.377 million).

Acquired in a straight-up trade for the under-achieving Julian Wright in August, Belinelli captured the starting two-guard spot in training camp and held on despite challenges from Thornton, who was eventually traded in February. A streaky outside shooter, he was essentially the Hornets’ primary 3-point threat despite his inconsistency. Drew the loyalty of Coach Monty Williams in the playoffs for his defensive play against the Lakers’ Ron Artest despite being overmatched. He’ll stay, but will be pushed because the Hornets will likely sign another shooting guard in the offseason.

Jason Smith, under contract next season at team option ($3.135 million).

Joining the team along with Green just before training camp, Smith started off strongly but tailed off after an early season push. Nonetheless, his size boosts New Orleans’ front line and he’s a key cog in the team’s depth, which ensures his presence next season.

Quincy Pondexter, under contract next season ($1.153 million) and through 2013-14 at team options.

One of two first-round picks last season, Pondexter played in 72 games this season and averaged 2.8 points, exhibiting nice defensive effort as a rookie, along with a decent shooting touch. Should continue to improve and will be in the plans next year.

D.J. Mbenga, contract expires June 30, free agent.

Picked up as a free-agent for his size and bulk, Mbenga is offensively challenged and is unlikely to return unless the Hornets cannot find another role player of his girth.

Aaron Gray, player option next season ($1.124 million).

Critical to the Hornets’ opening playoff win against the Lakers, Gray worked hard this season to keep his weight down and improve his production. His work-ethic impressed the coaching staff. Uncertain whether he’s reached his ceiling, but his size – critical in the Western Conference – often bothers others. He stays.

Patrick Ewing Jr., contract expires June 30, free agent.

Originally a 10-day pickup after the injury to West, Ewing might have done enough in practice over the last few weeks to earn a training-camp invite for next year, where he could earn a roster spot again.